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Software for BuildersFri, 07 Dec 2018 06:51:06 +0000enhourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9The Importance Of Keeping In-House Computer Systems Up-to-Date (Infographic)http://www.bizprac.com/importance-keeping-house-computer-systems-date-infographic/
http://www.bizprac.com/importance-keeping-house-computer-systems-date-infographic/#respondFri, 05 Oct 2018 04:34:50 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2243In today’s ever-changing and increasingly competitive business environment, having an efficient business system can help you gain a competitive edge against your competitors. However, as the business grow and expand, many business owners tend to overlook the need for their business systems to keep up with their changing business needs as well. Regardless if it’s…

]]>In today’s ever-changing and increasingly competitive business environment, having an efficient business system can help you gain a competitive edge against your competitors. However, as the business grow and expand, many business owners tend to overlook the need for their business systems to keep up with their changing business needs as well.

Regardless if it’s a word processing program or an industry-specific software such as construction management and estimation tool, using an outdated system can expose your business to a handful of risks.

Read on as we detail in this infographic why it is important to keep your in-house computer systems and programs updated.

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/importance-keeping-house-computer-systems-date-infographic/feed/0The Pros and Cons of Cloud-based Software Systems (Infographic)http://www.bizprac.com/pros-cons-cloud-based-software-systems-infographic/
http://www.bizprac.com/pros-cons-cloud-based-software-systems-infographic/#respondWed, 26 Sep 2018 02:59:15 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2232Cloud-based software systems are one of the most popular subjects discussed in the corporate world today because of its multiple benefits to businesses. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one-third of Australian businesses use cloud-based systems. 85% use cloud computing software services, while 60% use one for storage purposes. However, its benefits come along with…

]]>Cloud-based software systems are one of the most popular subjects discussed in the corporate world today because of its multiple benefits to businesses. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one-third of Australian businesses use cloud-based systems. 85% use cloud computing software services, while 60% use one for storage purposes. However, its benefits come along with a few downsides.

Here are the pros and cons of cloud-based software systemsthat will help you decide if it’s right for your business.

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/pros-cons-cloud-based-software-systems-infographic/feed/0How The Quality of Software Support Can Make or Break a Businesshttp://www.bizprac.com/quality-software-support-make-break-business/
http://www.bizprac.com/quality-software-support-make-break-business/#respondThu, 20 Sep 2018 12:08:09 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2217Many business owners view premium and innovated software support as a luxury instead of a necessity. As a result, many businesses stick to the software support they have and know how to use, thinking that it will suffice and help them cut back their expenses. Having that said, let’s unveil the truth to how the…

]]>Many business owners view premium and innovated software support as a luxury instead of a necessity. As a result, many businesses stick to the software support they have and know how to use, thinking that it will suffice and help them cut back their expenses.

Having that said, let’s unveil the truth to how the quality of software support can make or break a business:

Accuracy

In any business field, accuracy is the main priority. Whether it is tracking employee productivity and progress, accounting, managing payroll, or managing assets, errors should be avoided as much as possible because it can cost your business a fortune.

Although second-rate software systems are more affordable, they often have bugs due to poor software design and coding. These software bugs can cause glitches and incorrect data entry and miscalculations.

Cybersecurity

Outdated software systems are vulnerable to malwares that can damage or disable computers. Some malwares are even used by hackers to collect sensitive and confidential data that can be used in fraudulent activities.

Moving on to the perpetrators, while most hacking incidents were done by outsiders, some are inside jobs. According to a McAfee study, 43% of data breaches were done by internal actors which include employees, contractors and third-party suppliers. Hence, it is important that your software support team keeps your system secure, updated, and constantly monitored to minimise cybersecurity threats.

Ease of usage and productivity

Businesses use software systems to accomplish tasks easier and faster. However, not all software programs respond fast and are easy to navigate.

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/quality-software-support-make-break-business/feed/0Bizprac Takeoff powered by ExtrAXION (Infographic)http://www.bizprac.com/bizprac-takeoff-powered-extraxion-infographic/
http://www.bizprac.com/bizprac-takeoff-powered-extraxion-infographic/#respondWed, 12 Sep 2018 03:13:13 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2228From conception to construction, accurate quantity takeoffs are an essential part of any building activity. It helps every quantity surveyor and estimator determine whether a project is feasible and meets the clients’ needs or if revisions are needed. Although already experts in doing manual takeoffs, builders like you will be able to optimize your time…

]]>From conception to construction, accurate quantity takeoffs are an essential part of any building activity.

It helps every quantity surveyor and estimator determine whether a project is feasible and meets the clients’ needs or if revisions are needed.

Although already experts in doing manual takeoffs, builders like you will be able to optimize your time and energy through using Bizprac’s new module, Bizprac Takeoff powered by ExtrAXION. Instead of spending large amounts of time manually estimating, you can use Bizprac Takeoff to produce fast, accurate estimates that win job’s.

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/bizprac-takeoff-powered-extraxion-infographic/feed/0The Importance of Positive and Negative Customer Feedback to Businesseshttp://www.bizprac.com/importance-positive-negative-customer-feedback-businesses/
http://www.bizprac.com/importance-positive-negative-customer-feedback-businesses/#respondFri, 07 Sep 2018 06:57:27 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2239We often hear the phrase “customer is king,” which is true in any industry. Customers are the lifeblood of every business; they determine whether a business will succeed or fail. Hence, every business should strive to provide their customers only the best. However, this can’t be achieved without an effective means of communication. Customer needs…

]]>We often hear the phrase “customer is king,” which is true in any industry. Customers are the lifeblood of every business; they determine whether a business will succeed or fail.

Hence, every business should strive to provide their customers only the best. However, this can’t be achieved without an effective means of communication.

Customer needs and preferences change from time to time, and asking for their feedback, whether positive or negative, is the only way that your business can adapt to it.

Moreover, it can also make your customers feel important and involved. Asking for feedback means that you value their opinion and that they can take part in shaping your products and services.

Having said that, here are the reasons why both positive and negative customer feedback are important to businesses:

Positive feedback serves as:

A powerful motivator

Positive feedback means that your customers are satisfied with your service and proves that all the hard work has been worth it and that you’re on the right track. This sense of accomplishment will motivate your employees to thrive and serve your customers even better.

An Image booster

Positive responses from customers, especially online reviews, will help you build a good business reputation and reach more potential customers for your business.

According to Forbes, 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business while 84% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Moreover, 74% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more.

Negative feedback is:

Constructive

Although negative responses and complaints are somewhat upsetting, they should be viewed as constructive criticisms. These are indicators of customer dissatisfaction, which imply that your customers were expecting more from you. While positive feedback tells you where you’re good at, negative feedback tells you what you need to improve or change so that you can tailor your services to their needs.

The best way to handle negative feedback is to respond quickly and politely. Quick and polite responses will manifest your commitment to providing your customers with the best service, understanding their needs, and solving their problems.

Realistic

Contrary to common knowledge that negative responses are all thorns and no roses, they can actually make your business more trustworthy.

According to High Speed Training, 68% of consumers are more likely to trust a company when they see both good and bad reviews. Moreover, 30% of consumers suspect that a business is just covering-up a customer service blunder or the reviews are just made-up when they don’t see any negative reviews.

Nevertheless, you must strive to keep the number of negative responses down and the positive responses up to get your business to the top.

Using it for your business will provide an online platform for an effective two-way communication between you and your clients. Contact us today to learn more about Bizprac and our construction management software.

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/importance-positive-negative-customer-feedback-businesses/feed/0Bizprac Online: The Web-Based Solution You Need for Your Construction Company (Infographic)http://www.bizprac.com/bizprac-online-web-based-solution-need-construction-company/
http://www.bizprac.com/bizprac-online-web-based-solution-need-construction-company/#respondMon, 03 Sep 2018 05:53:33 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2223Many businesses resist changes because it’s safe and easy- including switching to cutting-edge technologies. However, is this for real? Does your business really find convenience and safety in using outdated technologies? According to the Baltimore Business Journal, businesses who stick to outdated technologies have decreased productivity, increased security risks, and fall behind the competition. Given…

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/bizprac-online-web-based-solution-need-construction-company/feed/0The Importance Of Accurate Retention Tracking For All Buildershttp://www.bizprac.com/importance-accurate-retention-tracking-builders/
http://www.bizprac.com/importance-accurate-retention-tracking-builders/#respondThu, 23 Aug 2018 05:46:41 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2084Retention is the percentage of progress payments that are withheld by a client to prevent breaches of contract and to ensure project completion and quality satisfaction. This is how retention works: First off, the percentage and terms of payment should be indicated in the construction contract. Afterward, the client will retain the remaining payment until…

]]>Retention is the percentage of progress payments that are withheld by a client to prevent breaches of contract and to ensure project completion and quality satisfaction.

This is how retention works: First off, the percentage and terms of payment should be indicated in the construction contract. Afterward, the client will retain the remaining payment until the project end date. Finally, when the project is finished, the remaining payment will be dispensed by the client to the builder.

Although agreeing to retention withholding can increase the trust of your clients in your commitment to providing excellent services and accountability, it exposes you to financial risks.

In fact, according to The West Australian, fair payment has been an issue in the building industry for decades already, including slow and non-release retention monies.

Transparency

Transparency is one of the most important factors in every transaction. It is mutually beneficial to both parties because clients want to pay the right amount, and builders want to receive the right amount as well.

Although transparency is a business buzzword and encountering dishonest clients is not likely, it’s not enough reason to be complacent because there are still some who might take advantage of the situation if you’re not keeping a close eye on your finances.

Prevention of cash flow problems

Since most construction workers are paid on an hourly basis, and you have other employees and office bills (whether it’s mortgage, rent, office equipment, or electric and water bills) to pay as well, you need a regular cash flow to sustain your business.

One of your financial sources are retentions, that is why you need to avoid delays in receving a retention payment. Otherwise, your budget might fall short and leave you with no choice but to borrow money for the sake of paying the bills (which might get you stuck in a pile of debt—it’s a domino effect.).

Through accurate retention tracking, you will be able to monitor your retention schedule and remind your client about it. You can also monitor it along with your bills payment schedule and check whether it matches. Knowing it beforehand will help you balance your finances through cost-cutting and other money saving practices in case the retention schedule falls behind your bills payment schedule.

Smooth transaction

By using an accurate retention tracking system, you can prevent future transaction problems that may lead to arguments and lawsuits by balancing the financial situation.

If before, your client has the upper hand because he/she has your money, now, the power is distributed because you already have the ability to know what happens to your money and make sure that they will follow the terms of payment indicated in the contract.

Just remember to remind your clients (that you’re tracking the retention) in a nice way (not in an “I’m-keeping-an-eye-on-you!” kind of way.).

BizPrac software for builders comprises of different functions for effective construction management including builder retention management.

Contact us today to learn more about Bizprac and our construction management software,

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/importance-accurate-retention-tracking-builders/feed/0The Evolution of Construction Industry Management Software System (Infographic)http://www.bizprac.com/evolution-construction-industry-management-software-system-infographic/
http://www.bizprac.com/evolution-construction-industry-management-software-system-infographic/#respondFri, 17 Aug 2018 05:45:11 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2248The construction industry is a complex one. It is connected to different fields such as engineering, architecture, project management, human resource management, and accounting that is why it’s quite amazing how our predecessors managed to work with limited tools. Let us look back at the earliest construction management tools and see how it evolved, resulting…

]]>The construction industry is a complex one. It is connected to different fields such as engineering, architecture, project management, human resource management, and accounting that is why it’s quite amazing how our predecessors managed to work with limited tools.

Let us look back at the earliest construction management tools and see how it evolved, resulting to the rewarding transformation of the construction industry.

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/evolution-construction-industry-management-software-system-infographic/feed/0Top 5 Issues Affecting Today’s Construction Industry (Infographic)http://www.bizprac.com/5-issues-affecting-todays-construction-industry-infographic/
http://www.bizprac.com/5-issues-affecting-todays-construction-industry-infographic/#respondMon, 13 Aug 2018 06:52:24 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2254Issues are ever-present in any industry, but it should not be treated as a threat, it may even serve as a room for improvement when a business is proactive and change-oriented. As the saying goes “problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines”. Here are the top five issues affecting today’s construction industry.

]]>Issues are ever-present in any industry, but it should not be treated as a threat, it may even serve as a room for improvement when a business is proactive and change-oriented. As the saying goes “problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines”. Here are the top five issues affecting today’s construction industry.

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/5-issues-affecting-todays-construction-industry-infographic/feed/0How To Use Social Media To Attract New Clientshttp://www.bizprac.com/use-social-media-attract-new-clients/
http://www.bizprac.com/use-social-media-attract-new-clients/#respondThu, 09 Aug 2018 04:57:03 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2081Today, with a wide array of advertising platforms available, attracting new customers has undoubtedly become a lot easier than before. However, the challenge is choosing the best medium to promote your business. According to WeAreSocial, eighty per cent of the Australian population spend more than five hours a day online and one hour and thirty-nine…

]]>Today, with a wide array of advertising platforms available, attracting new customers has undoubtedly become a lot easier than before. However, the challenge is choosing the best medium to promote your business.

According to WeAreSocial, eighty per cent of the Australian population spend more than five hours a day online and one hour and thirty-nine minutes of those five hours are spent on social media. Given the fact that now, everyone spends most of their time online, even builders like you should consider utilizing social media as a marketing strategy. Here are seven ways on how to use social media to attract new clients:

Respond quickly to social media inquiries

Being on social media makes your business accessible to potential clients because, with just one click (and a few words of typing), they can easily reach you. Moreover, receiving queries indicate that people are interested in your services. That is why you should respond to them quickly, to show your commitment to providing excellent customer service, understanding their needs, and to keep you ahead of the competition.

Invest in online advertisements

In terms of expenses, online ads are less expensive than TV, radio and print ads, and it makes targeting specific consumers easier as well.

You can also consider Facebook since it is the most widely used social platform or visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest since most people are visual learners.

Organize contests on social media

Running social media contests gathers more audience attention because getting something for nothing is very appealing to many. It can also make your business viral if your contest is fun and exciting. The best examples are slogan making and “tag-a-friend” contests.

If you still don’t have a tagline for your business, you can organize a slogan writing contest, and from the entries, you can select the best one to use for your business. While if you want to find new prospects, you can try organizing a tag-a-friend contest wherein the contestant shall comment and tag as many friends as they can (to a photo or a social media post that you shared), and the one with the most tags wins.

Give out freebies and discounts

When people hear or see the word ‘free’, they automatically get excited and perceive the freebie more valuable than it really is. That is why giving out printed jackets and caps, eBooks, kits (like a hammer and nails set) and discount coupons online, either as prizes for online contests or as incentives, will generate buzz for your business. It will also encourage potential customers to try the service that you’re offering.

Provide helpful information

Providing potential customers with free and helpful information won’t only manifest your concern for your customers, it will also show your knowledge and expertise in the subject, making it an effective means of building customer trust.

A friendly tip: You can use infographics because it’s an effective way to visualize information and data.

Lead social media followers to your website and blog

While social media works as a magnet for potential new clients, it gives them limited knowledge about the services you offer. On the other hand, having a corporate website and blog enables you to discuss your services in detail through blog posts and infographics. That is why you should always include your official website and blog in your social media accounts and advertisements.

Establish deep connections

Every business should endeavor to make the transaction more than a one-off incident. Successful companies establish deep connections with their clients, and you should too. The best way to do this is to relate to them personally through advocacies. For example, if you are into charity work, you can share and promote it on social media and clients with the same advocacy will most probably wish you well and on-advertise your services.

It’s amazing how keeping up with the latest technology trends can transform and open endless opportunities to different industries. Social media, when used in the right way, is indeed a gift to mankind—especially to businesses, and so are software systems!

Contact us today to learn more about Bizprac and our construction management software.

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/use-social-media-attract-new-clients/feed/010 Ways Your Business Could Be At Risk (Infographic)http://www.bizprac.com/10-ways-business-risk-infographic/
http://www.bizprac.com/10-ways-business-risk-infographic/#respondFri, 03 Aug 2018 06:49:55 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2144There are various factors that could have adverse effects on a business’ profitability, security, stability and it should be the goal of every business owner to identify these risks and prevent it from growing into a major problem. To help you achieve the said goals, here are the ten ways your business could be at…

]]>There are various factors that could have adverse effects on a business’ profitability, security, stability and it should be the goal of every business owner to identify these risks and prevent it from growing into a major problem. To help you achieve the said goals, here are the ten ways your business could be at risk:

]]>http://www.bizprac.com/10-ways-business-risk-infographic/feed/07 Habits of Successful Construction Business Owners (Infographic)http://www.bizprac.com/7-habits-successful-construction-business-owners-infographic/
http://www.bizprac.com/7-habits-successful-construction-business-owners-infographic/#respondThu, 19 Jul 2018 04:34:42 +0000http://www.bizprac.com/?p=2076Successfully managing a construction company is not an easy feat. It is a multifaceted endeavour that requires not only knowledge of common business operations and practices, but also requires a great deal of agile thinking, perseverance, and hard work – a few of the characteristics that make a good builder. Statistically speaking, the start-up failure…

]]>Successfully managing a construction company is not an easy feat. It is a multifaceted endeavour that requires not only knowledge of common business operations and practices, but also requires a great deal of agile thinking, perseverance, and hard work – a few of the characteristics that make a good builder.

Statistically speaking, the start-up failure rate in Australian construction industry is quite high, with recent reports saying that 3.1% of the sector – 2026 companies – are facing “high to severe” financial risk, with nearly half, 931, in the $1 million -$10 million turnover bracket.

So what differentiates successful construction business owners from the rest? Beyond just having the necessary skills and knowledge of running a company, successful builders also share some common habits – even though seemingly of minor significance in the eyes of non-business people – that make them as successful as they are.

Here seven habits you can learn and adapt from successful construction business owners.